as in to shed
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exfoliate Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a class of exfoliating acids. Cathy Cassata, Health, 22 July 2025 These small but mighty pads help exfoliate and refine large pores, all while leaving you with smooth skin in the process. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 July 2025 Potato Potatoes contain starch and sugar, which help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025 Basically, one side to gently exfoliate and one side to add moisture back. Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliate
Verb
  • Further examinations indicated that the debris shed by the star in that time ultimately shaped the supernova’s light emissions.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
  • By looking closely at how people navigated these decisions in real time, the study shed light on the subtle mental trade-offs that can influence whether empathy comes to the surface or stays tucked away.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To make peeling easier, lightly crack the eggs as soon as they are done and shock them in an ice bath for 10 minutes.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The 14-time Grammy winner peeled back the curtain on her glittery new album, The Life of a Showgirl, during an appearance Wednesday on the New Heights podcast, which is hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

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“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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